A seal found on the banks of Maribyrnong River on the weekend has died.
Staff from Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit rescued the adult male seal on Tuesday 24 February having monitored it since it first appeared on the banks of the river near Highpoint Shopping Centre on Saturday.
The seal was taken back to Melbourne Zoo where it was checked by vets and found to have suffered severe eye injuries that rendered it blind, while also having injuries to its tail fins.
With these injuries not considered treatable, the seal was euthanised on Tuesday afternoon.
While it’s not uncommon for seals to be found swimming in urban rivers, it is unusual for them to haul themselves up out of the water.
Anyone who encounters an injured seal is urged to report it to Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678.
It’s also recommended that people keep at least 30 metres away from a seal on land, and 50 metres away if with a dog.
